San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones opposes $4.4B budget and tax hike

San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones has opposed the city’s newly adopted $4.4 billion municipal budget, which includes a property tax rate increase. The City Council passed the spending plan in a split vote, with seven members supporting the budget and the tax hike, while Mayor Jones and three council members voted against both measures.

To address a $158 million budget deficit, the city approved a two-cent increase in the property tax rate, bringing it to just over 56 cents per $100 of assessed value. This marks the first property tax rate increase in San Antonio since 1992. The new budget and tax rate are scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Mayor Jones criticized City Manager Erik Walsh and his staff for failing to provide a fiscally responsible plan. She proposed across-the-board cuts of 1.6% to save $28 million and avoid the tax increase, a suggestion rejected by progressive council members.

Separately, during the Texas Tribune Festival, Mayor Jones discussed the political implications of local economic and immigration issues. She suggested that economic struggles and federal immigration policies could influence upcoming congressional races in the San Antonio area.